BBC Children in Need has launched its fundraising campaign and is asking people across the UK to channel their passions, hobbies or dreams and Do Your Thing to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

An incredible star studded line-up of famous faces have come together to support the Do Your Thing campaign, including Matt Baker, Frankie Bridge, Jim Chapman, Tess Daly, Alex Jones, Carol Kirkwood, Scott Mills, Ore Oduba, Louise Pentland, Ellie Simmonds, Charlie Simpson, Rachel Stevens, Joe Sugg and Matt Willis. The celebrities are asking the nation to Do Your Thing and fundraise for BBC Children in Need. From fancy dress to clothes swaps, fun runs to once in a lifetime challenges, bake sales or sponsored silences, everyone can channel their passions into fundraising for BBC Children in Need.

The One Show and Countryfile presenter, Matt Baker said of the campaign: “Every year I see people up and down the country doing remarkable things to raise money for BBC Children in Need, and I can’t wait to see what the UK public do again this year! You can do anything. Whether it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, like an epic cycling challenge, or something that you’re really good at like telling jokes or singing, you can turn anything into a fundraiser. So come on UK, Do Your Thing!”

Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly is also urging everyone to show their support in 2017: “BBC Children in Need is back, and I can’t wait to see everyone across the UK doing their thing to raise money for the charity!  Whatever you do, have fun and raise as much money as possible! It’s a cause that I am so passionate about and it really does make a difference to disadvantaged children and young people all over the UK.”

Also championing the 2017 campaign is The One Show presenter Alex Jones who called on people across the UK to join in: “It’s wonderful to be supporting BBC Children in Need again this year. Each year the public amazes me with the wild, wonderful and unique ways that they fundraise for the charity and I expect this year to be no different! Come on UK, Do Your Thing for BBC Children in Need.”

BBC Radio 1 presenter, Scott Mills, who undertook an abseil down the ArcelorMittal Orbit for BBC Children in Need in 2015, called on the public to do all they can to support the 2017 Appeal, saying: “Whether you go to work in fancy dress, bake cakes for your family and friends or fancy taking on an adrenaline fuelled challenge – this year do your thing for BBC Children in Need and the money that you raise will go on to help improve the lives of children and young people in all corners of the UK. So what are you waiting for? Do Your Thing!”

Strictly Come Dancing’s 2016 glitter-ball champion, Ore Oduba, encouraged the nation to get involved, saying: “It’s that time of year again – when the good people of  the UK pull out all the stops to fundraise for BBC Children in Need! Whether it’s by challenging yourself to a sponsored silence or putting on your best fancy dress; whatever your thing is, do it and make a difference to disadvantaged children and young people’s lives right here in the UK!”

Former S Club 7 star, Rachel Stevens, who has secured two number one singles with S Club 7 for BBC Children in Need, said of the campaign: “It’s fantastic to be able to support BBC Children in Need this year. The charity does amazing work with children and young people all over the UK and I really hope that this year the public does their thing once again and raises lots of money for the cause. ”

Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive at BBC Children in Need said: “BBC Children in Need is calling on people across the UK to once again come together to make a lasting, positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.  Whether you love baking or fancy dress, or fancy taking on a once in a lifetime challenge, you can use your passions to help change young lives.”